Monday, September 19, 2016

Bernadette's Example to Us

The Story of Our Lady of Lourdes is such a beautiful one, not only because Mary appeared to St. Bernadette, but also because of Bernadette's example to all of us!

Did you know that Mary told Bernadette three secrets? She was faithful and kept her promise to Our Lady. Everyone tried to guess what the secrets were, but all Bernadette would say was that the secrets were for her alone.

The message of the apparition were to pray for sinners, do penance, and to enable the people to come to Jesus in procession. We do this every time we approach Jesus in the Eucharist. The question remains, though, can we be as devout and faithful as Bernadette? Can we give our lives to do what Jesus and Mary ask us to do? Are we "Catholic" only on Sunday? Bernadette gave everything to God. After a child made their First Communion, if they were poor, they were expected to find work. They were not able to pay for further education. When Bernadette was asked what she wanted to do, her reply was that she wished to be a nun. People thought she might change her mind, but Bernadette was firm in her decision.